6/18 Headlines: What to Watch at Minicamp

Daily headlines to keep you up-to-date on the latest Chiefs news from local and national media

What to watch at Chiefs minicamp

By Adam Teicher

Excerpt from ESPN.com

“The Kansas City Chiefs begin their three-day minicamp on Tuesday. Here are three things I'll be looking for:

The full-squad debut of De'Anthony Thomas. The Chiefs' fourth-round draft pick, Thomas hasn't been able to practice since the rookie camp shortly after the draft. Classes had still been in session at Oregon, where Thomas went to college, and NFL rules prohibited him from working with the Chiefs. That ban is now over and it will be interesting to see how Andy Reid utilizes Thomas' speed in the offense. He lined up in a variety of spots during rookie camp, including wide receiver, slot receiver and running back. He also should get a turn as the kickoff and punt returner…” READ MORE…

Finding the Fits: With size, speed for scheme, Phillip Gaines fits in KC

By Rob Rang

Excerpt from The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

“The Chiefs' recent release of former Pro Bowl cornerback Brandon Flowers was made in part due to his bloated salary. By letting him go, the Chiefs will save a combined $15 million over the next two years as the club attempt to re‐sign quarterback Alex Smith and pass rusher Justin Houston, among others.

But the writing was on the wall in Kansas City the moment John Dorsey was hired as the team's general manager. Corners lacking size ‐‐ like the 5‐foot‐9, 187 pound Flowers ‐‐ aren't a fit in a scheme predicated on press coverage with long, lanky defenders on the perimeter. That's why Sean Smith (6‐foot‐3, 218), Marcus Cooper (6‐foot‐1, 192) and Ron Parker (6‐foot, 206) were given free agent deals over the past two years and why the 6‐foot, 193‐pound Gaines will be given every opportunity to earn considerable playing time as a rookie…” READ MORE…

Chiefs' Houston no‐show for mandatory minicamp

By Dave Skretta

Excerpt from AP

“KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two Pro Bowl players were gone from the start of the Chiefs' mandatory minicamp, one of them hoping to land a new contract and the other so that the team might be able to afford it.

Justin Houston, their talented young pass rusher, is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He's only due to make $1.4 million, a bargain for a linebacker who has already piled up 26 1/2 sacks in three seasons. And in what's believed to be a negotiating ploy, Houston not only skipped three weeks of voluntary workouts but he's also skipping this week's three‐day minicamp…” READ MORE…

“KANSAS CITY, Mo. ‐‐ De'Anthony Thomas swayed to, then fro, then to again, the way a cartoon character does after another cartoon character hits him with a giant rubber cartoon mallet.

July had come early on Tuesday afternoon, with the fury of a thousand microwaves. The Kansas City Chiefs' rookie tailback/slotback sat on his helmet. Then he swayed (again) to the huddle, where he sort of crouched rather than stood. Then he ran a play, which the former Oregon star took to the end zone…” READ MORE…

Cutler deal hurts Chiefs with Alex Smith

By Mike Sando

Excerpt from ESPN.com

“The Kansas City Chiefs could not beat Andrew Luck in the playoffs last season. They will have to overcome another strong-armed quarterback, Jay Cutler, to succeed in contract negotiations with their own starter, Alex Smith.

That is because the deal Cutler signed with the Chicago Bears in January set some financial guideposts on a course the Chiefs presumably do not want to follow too closely.” READ MORE…

Tweet of the Day

Day 2 of Mini-Camp is officially underway...continuing the climb to the top! I love my team! #ChiefsKingdom